Educational Interests and Information-Seeking Behaviors of Utah Residents

Abstract

With a limited body of literature examining residents’ preferences for Extension topic areas, this brief report examined the educational interests of Utah residents. It explores opportunities for future programming based on residents’ preferences for topic areas and their information-seeking behaviors. Data were gathered from Utah residents in May 2021 via an online Qualtrics survey (n = 668). Results showed the topics of highest interest to Utah residents were strengthening family relationships, emergency preparedness, mental health, food storage, and healthy couples’ relationships. Residents’ information-seeking behaviors were somewhat consistent with their interests; residents searched most frequently for information on mental health, strengthening family relationships, nutrition education, financial planning, and healthy couples’ relationships. Extension organizations are encouraged to learn more about residents’ interests and participation preferences to recruit and retain participants, given changing societal trends.